Old capital hosts timeless ‘beauties’

From Times of Malta: Old capital hosts timeless ‘beauties’
The silent city was awakened by the roar of finely-tuned vintage engines yesterday (Oct 24, Sunday) on the final day of the third classic car grand prix.

A range of historic and classic cars, from Aston Martins to Mini Minors, purred around the streets outside Mdina, starting at Għajn Ħamiem Street and ending at Għarriqin Street.

The event is usually held in Valletta but was this year moved to the old capital due to road works in and around Valletta. It is the only street race of its kind in this part of the Mediterranean.

For the first time, this year’s event included a limited guest class of post-1976 cars.

The event began on Friday with the public admiring the glistening cars as they sat on display in St Paul Square, Mdina. The participating vehicles performed timed runs on Saturday when Steve Borg, driving a 1972 Morris Mini Minor, clocked the fastest time.

As the warm October sunshine slicked up drops of rainfall that had fallen earlier that morning, the cars yesterday cruised around the circuit in a series of demonstration runs.

The grand prix was organised by the Valletta Grand Prix Foundation with help from the Mdina, Rabat and Mtarfa local councils. The foundation is in the process of joining the Federation Internationale des Vehicules Anciens.